Singing for the Brain group celebrates Christmas with Deputy Mayor and Mayoress

Posted 29th December 2016

The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Milton Keynes witnessed at first hand today how music can have a positive impact on people living with dementia.

Councillor David Hopkins and his wife Susan joined an Alzheimer’s Society Singing for the Brain group, which uses music to stimulate memories.

The group met at the Peartree Centre for its festive celebrations, which featured traditional Christmas songs, carols and refreshments. As well as seeing how singing can benefit people living with dementia, the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress met regular members to find out more about them and their condition.

Singing for the Brain is an established and successful service provided by Alzheimer’s Society and enjoyed by both men and women living with dementia and by their carers. The programme promotes communication through singing which can help with articulation, concentration, focus and motivation.

The groups are relaxed and fun with specially trained facilitators delivering a varied programme of vocal warm-up exercises, percussion and a wide selection of well-known songs from different eras.

Councillor Hopkins said: “It’s been a pleasure and a privilege to be part of this great activity and I want everyone living with dementia in Milton Keynes, and their carers, to know the service is open to them too. Susan and I had a great time!”

Sue Binnie, co-leader of the group, said: “Singing for the Brain in Milton Keynes has proved very popular with all our members and we know that singing means a great

deal to them. The sessions help people living with dementia to communicate, improving their mood and leaving them feeling good about themselves. We have two active groups meeting on alternate Mondays and new people joining all the time – and we’ve got room for more.”

To find out more about attending Singing for the Brain and other Alzheimer’s Society services in the area contact Vicky Sargent or Dee Cope on 01908 232612 or visit alzheimers.org.uk/localinformation